Road test: Peugeot 208GTi moves up market

When Peugeot introduced its legendary 205GTi in 1984, it was such a hit that it saved the company from financial collapse. Try as Peugeot might, the 206 and 207GTis never filled the void left by the all-conquering 205. But the new 208GTi might just do it.

The engine has shrunk from 1.9 to a 1.6 high pressure turbo unit, but power is up from 130 to 200bhp.

Peugeot wants to move upmarket and in the cabin it shows. Stitched leather swathes the dashboard and there is a premium feel to the dials and switches. Red detailing marks it out as the GTi version.

Once on the move (60mph arrives in 6.8 seconds) the first thing that strikes you is the steering, which is light and communicative. The well-shaped wheel is a delight to use, as is the chunky metal gearlever knob which swaps the six manual speeds very smoothly.

There is more than a whiff of the 205 about the way the new car drives, and it manages to bring a smile to your face if you are dawdling or pressing on, when the car feels impressively grippy and composed on the road.

The ride is excellent — unusual for this king of small GT — and the engine is quiet, even when busy. Externally, the GTi’s radiator grille sports a red lower lip, the track is a little wider and the exhaust has a twin tailpipe.

There’s only one niggle — the thick rear pillar makes it tricky to reverse into a parking space, but most enthusiastic drivers would find this a price worth paying. This new hot Peugeot will give the identically priced Clio Renaultsport 200 some competition.